Artwork

Head of a Boy

Head of a Boy, by Gari Melchers, charcoal, 1895
Head of a Boy, by Gari Melchers, charcoal, 1895

Head of a Boy is a charcoal drawing by the Impressionist artist Gari Melchers. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower center in charcoal: G. Melchers

About this work

Overview

Head of a Boy is a charcoal drawing on wove paper created by Gari Melchers around 1895.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a boy's face in profile, with his gaze directed slightly towards the viewer. His short, disheveled hair and dark collar are notable features, set against a plain background that emphasizes his facial expression.

Technique & Style

Melchers employed soft, smudged charcoal lines to capture the interplay of light and shadow, imbuing the boy's skin with a warm, textured appearance.

History & Provenance

The paper shows signs of wear, suggesting that the drawing has been handled extensively over time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gari Melchers

Artist

Gari Melchers

Julius Garibaldi (Gari) Melchers (August 11, 1860 – November 30, 1932) was an American artist. He was one of the leading American proponents of naturalism. He won a 1932 Gold medal from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Head of a Boy?

Head of a Boy was painted by Gari Melchers in 1895.

Where can I see Head of a Boy?

Head of a Boy is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Boy?

Head of a Boy is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Head of a Boy?

Museum-quality prints of Head of a Boy are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.